Thurs. Mar. 24, 2016: Lord of the Flies: Chapter Two

Today, you wrote a ten minute journal relating to a question about chapter two of The Lord of the Flies. I then showed you an example in order to reinforce the pattern that can be followed in order to do these things with greater ease while under pressure.
The goal for you now is to get the rest of the novel read and answer the questions you were presented with. These are dead-lined for the first day after the break.

I have attached some of the questions here.

Chapters 1-5

Wed. Mar. 23, 2016: Lord of the Flies: Chapter One review

Today, students wrote a timed journal on Chapter One of the novel.
I then showed them a timed journal to show how one should be structured.
Students were then presented with the first allegory identified in their novel: The Psychological (based on Freud's beliefs of personality).
I then gave them the remainder of their class time to read Chapter Two.

Tues Mar. 22, 2016: Lord of the Flies Introduction and reading

Today, I introduced this novel. If you were not here, either see me to view the powerpoint or ask a friend for the notes. For tomorrow's class, you were to read all of chapter one.
I also gave you questions to answer for this novel. They may be done in point form. The reading of the novel and the questions are DEADLINED for the first day back in class after the break. Don't let this one slide.

Mon. Mar. 21, 2016: Unit Exam (M.C.)

Today, students wrote their unit exam, which was reading comprehension using active reading and process of elimination. If you were not here, you will need to see me about writing an alternative.

Fri. Mar. 18, 2016: Test Prep

The students will be writing a multiple choice comprehension exam on Monday, so we prepped for it today. If you miss this exam, you will have to schedule to write the alternative (normally, it tests the same objectives but is a long answer rather than a multiple choice).
There will be three readings and 24 questions.

Mon. Mar. 14, 2016, to Thurs. Mar. 17: Multi-Source Essay

During this time, students will be working on a multi-source essay. It will be due at the end of class on Thursday.
I also handed out a sheet on how to lay out an introductory paragraph for a multi-source essay.

Fri. Mar. 11, 2016: "The Lowest Animal" Critique

Today, you completed a text critique for the editorial (essay) "The Lowest Animal," by Mark Twain. If you haven't been here, this reading can be found on-line.

I also handed out the essay question that you will be working on next week (It will be due on Thursday).

Thurs. Mar. 10, 2016: The Lowest Animal Active Reading

So far in this unit, various perspectives of what a hero is as well as societal ideals have been examined over time. Today, students were given the reading "The Lowest Animal" by Mark Twain. This satirical piece has us examine how we have altered our own nature to wreak havoc and learn a low position as far as "animals" are concerned. This is to be read actively for tomorrow.
In addition, I wanted you to answer the following question:

According to Mark Twain, do our ideals help or hinder us when compared to other animals. Explain.

The Lowest Animal

Wed. Mar. 9, 2016: Ideals and Perspectives: The Baby box

Today, we discussed the reading you were given to actively read last night.  This reading is a good one for ensuring understanding of the five Ws and to reflect on the standards of perfection (ideals) a society has and how these standards can impact lives.

You then created a critique on this reading focusing on this idea of differing perspectives in both the "So what" section and the "What is Relevant" section.

Tues. Mar. 8, 2016: Modern Hero/Ideals

Today, I did a summary check to determine if students had read the editorial "Man int he Water." I then showed video of this event (you can find it on YouTube).

I then handed out the reading " 'The Drop Box' Where Disabled Babies go to Live" for students to actively read for tomorrow's class.

I have pasted the reading below

'The Drop Box' Where Disabled Babies go to Live"

Mon. Mar. 3, 2016: INS One Month Check In

Today, you had a reading class and completed your independent novel study one month check in. If you were not here or did not bring your novel, you will have to do this activity at lunch. It is a timed (sixty minute) activity.

Fri. Mar. 3, 2016: "What Men Live By" Critique

Today, students created critiques for the short story, "What Men Live By" by Tolstoy. It will not be accepted after the start of classes on Monday (it is due today). If you do not finish it, then you will have to see me for an alternative (you still will have to actively read it, however).

DON'T FORGET: MONDAY IS YOUR ONE MONTH NOVEL STUDY CHECK.

Thurs. Mar. 3, 2016: "Robin Hood" Critique and new reading

Today, students worked on and submitted critiques for "Robin Hood and the Three Squires." They also have the reading "What Men Live By" to have read for tomorrow's class (they will do a text critique on it as well).

Wed. Mar. 2, 2016: Active reading M.C.

Today, we reviewed the answers students arrived at for "What Are You Anyway." I also gave another handout about approaching multiple choice comprehension exams. If you were not here, this is in your portfolio.

You will have a reading comprehension exam on Tuesday, March 8. It will test your reading comprehension, understanding of literary devices (MOSES) sheet, and process of elimination skills.
If you miss this test, you will need to see me to write the alternative. The alternative is more of a short answer (justify the choice) exam addressing the same outcomes.

Tues. Mar. 1, 2016: Sir Gawain Text Critique

Today, the students worked on completing an assignment: text critique for "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." This is due at the end of the day. If a student has not submitted it by the time I return them, then that student will have to request an alternative to make up this mark and demonstrate objectives.